Discovery of Ancient Mithras Sanctuary in Budapest
Archaeologists in Budapest have made a groundbreaking discovery, unearthing what is believed to be the first known Mithras sanctuary within the military town of Aquincum. The 1,800-year-old Roman-era shrine was found during construction work on a new residential complex in the city’s Óbuda district, several meters below the current street level.
The find is particularly significant as no similar religious site had previously been uncovered in the military town, despite the Mithras cult’s popularity among Roman soldiers. The Budapest History Museum (BTM) experts are currently overseeing the extraction and preservation of the sanctuary.
Chief archaeologist and curator Orsolya explained that the crumbling walls of the sanctuary are being carefully lifted in sections by crane to ensure their protection. The ruins will be stored in a secure facility until they can be relocated to a new protective structure for permanent display.
The collaboration between the museum and the project developer has been crucial in safeguarding this historical site. The director of BTM highlighted the importance of preserving architectural heritage for building a shared civic identity, while the developer emphasized their commitment to preserving cultural heritage alongside architectural concerns.
Once construction is complete, the Mithras sanctuary is set to open to the public in 2027 within a modern building surrounded by landscaped parks. This new cultural destination will offer visitors a unique insight into Budapest’s rich history.
Excavations at the site have already unearthed a range of artifacts, including oil lamps, pottery fragments, game pieces, altars, and frescoes. These discoveries provide a glimpse into everyday life and the religious practices of the Roman soldiers who once worshipped at the sanctuary.
Mithraism, one of the Roman Empire’s most widespread mystery religions, was especially popular among soldiers. The newly uncovered sanctuary had been renovated at some point but was likely abandoned following the Sarmatian Invasion of AD. Its recent rediscovery has shed new light on this ancient religious tradition.
The preservation and future display of the Mithras sanctuary represent a significant milestone in Hungarian archaeology, adding to the country’s rich tapestry of historical and cultural heritage.
